2.28.2013

It could have been terrible. We had spent the day exploring, walking, taking ferries and we were all really tired. And hungry. And in Sultanhamet, a known wasteland for good food in Istanbul. No one wanted to walk more than 100 meters from our cozy hotel. I scoured my research, lists, apps no one had anything good to say about anything nearby. Finally I spotted a recommendation for a fish spot in the hotel restaurant picks. Expectations low, off we went to Balıkçı Sabahattin.

In an wooden Ottoman house with white tablecloths, bright lights and tables of English speaking tourists we were sure this going to be an expensive mediocre disaster. Thankfully that is not how it turned out at all.

Tarihi Sultanahmet KoftecisiOn our last afternoon in Istanbul we had time for one last meal, but needed to be near the hotel for our ride to airport. Luckily I had one place let on my list that was nearby. The very famous Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi.

Chunks of juicy, grilled lamb, flavor filled kofte - turkish meatball - all served with crunchy pickled peppers and a spicy red pepper sauce to be sopped up with crusty bread, made for the perfect farewell.